MagLab builds record-breaking magnet for Berlin

A unique magnet developed by the MagLab and Germany's Helmholtz Centre Berlin has reached a new world record for a neutron scattering magnet.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A ground-breaking series-connected hybrid magnet, built by the MagLab and Germany's Helmholtz Centre Berlin and designed for neutron scattering experiments, successfully reached 26 tesla on October 16, crushing the previous record of 17 tesla. As an added bonus, the magnet offers researchers much more space to perform their complex scattering experiments.

The HZB magnet in Berlin.

Using this magnet system, scientists scatter beams of particles to investigate the magnetism in exotic materials on an atomic scale.

"During construction, I worried about the risks, because this is an entirely new magnet design for neutron scattering," said MagLab Director Greg Boebinger. "Now I can't wait to see the reward: the exciting science that cannot be performed anywhere other than in this extraordinary, high-performance magnet system."

During the magnet testing process, most superconducting magnets experience expensive and time-consuming shutdowns, or quenches. This magnet, however, reached full field without a quench and only took two months to test.

"This successful series-connected hybrid magnet is the result of more than 120,000 staff-hours at the MagLab," said Mark Bird, the MagLab's director of magnet science and technology in charge of the Berlin project. "It could not have happened without the incredible dedication and commitment of dozens of people here at the MagLab and at HZB."

The Berlin magnet was tested in a temporary location at HZB, but in coming months, will be moved to the neutron guide-hall and integrated with the rest of the instrument. Scientists interested in future use of the magnet should directly contact HZB.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is the world’s largest and highest-powered magnet facility. Located at Florida State University, the University of Florida and Los Alamos National Laboratory, the interdisciplinary National MagLab hosts scientists from around the world to perform basic research in high magnetic fields, advancing our understanding of materials, energy and life. The lab is funded by the National Science Foundation (DMR-1157490) and the state of Florida. For more information, visit us online at nationalmaglab.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest at NationalMagLab.